Identities released in apparent murder/suicide in Sebring

SEBRING – The victims in an apparent murder/suicide that happened Tuesday have been identified by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

The victims are Dempsy and Francis Tiner, both 69, of 3407 Baxter Avenue in Sebring.

Preliminary autopsy reports indicate that Francis was killed first with two gunshot wounds to the head and Dempsy died later of a single gunshot wound at close range, according to a press release.

The murder/suicide investigation continues as to motive, however, it is known that a recent medical diagnosis may have played a role, according to the press release.

Highlands County Communications Center received a 911 call Tuesday morning and the caller stated that he had killed his wife and was going to kill himself. Responding units could not get any response at the residence. The crisis negotiation team and SWAT team responded attempted further contact with the caller.

With no further response and with the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s office and their robot, entry was made into the residence with the robot and the Tiners were found dead inside.